Silkie: A Limestone Seal

Sculptor Helen O'Connell has used McKeon's Kilkenny Blue Limestone to create a sculpture representing a basking seal. The seal, called 'Silkie', is on show at Dublin's unique Cultural Centre for Children, The Ark in Temple Bar.

2017 Prizes

Seeds of Wonder

Alan Counihan's work was created at the McKeon limestone quarry at Three Castles and their fabrication workshop at Brockley Park, Stradbally, County Laois. Assisted by fellow sculptor Ruairi Carroll, Alan created two large limestone seed heads, from which emerge multi-coloured glass shapes representing seeds. The glass was the work of Jerpoint Glass of Glenmore, County Kilkenny. The work reflects the natural world and the process of germination and growth. It also refers to the college's role in education and discovery, as the surface of each of the two sculptures is inscribed with patterns referring to learning; numeracy on one, literacy on the other.